Natural England - Opportunities and optimum sitings for energy crops

Opportunities and optimum sitings for energy crops

The impacts of energy crops on the environment can vary at a local level.

In 2005 Defra produced a set of maps identifying opportunities and optimum sitings for energy crops (short rotation coppice (SRC) and miscanthus).

The national and regional maps can be used to provide guidance to those seeking to develop energy crops. They show the best areas for growing the crops and the areas where it is not appropriate or care is needed from an environmental point of view. Users are likely to include:

  • farmers who are looking to plant energy crops
  • end users looking to locate in suitable areas
  • Forestry Commission
  • Natural England 
  • Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC)

The maps are indicative only and should not be regarded as definitive with respect to individual applications. It is important that you refer to the guidance when looking at the maps.

Environmental designations and features

The aim of the environmental designations maps is to identify areas where special care is needed to avoid damaging the environment.

How to use the environmental designations maps

Please refer to the environmental designations and features guidance when using the maps to assess opportunities and optimum sitings of energy crops.

Environmental planning of short rotation coppice and miscanthus

This guidance outlines a number of environmental issues that should be considered when applying for an energy crop grant.